Synthesis of nonracemic α-trifluoromethyl α-amino acids from sulfinimines of trifluoropyruvate

We describe a novel and useful method for the synthesis of nonracemic α-trifluoromethyl α-amino acids (α-Tfm-AAs). Key building blocks are the sulfinimines (S)-1a and (S)-1b, prepared by Staudinger reaction from trifluoropyruvate esters and the chiral N-sulfinyl iminophosphorane (S)-8, which were treated with benzyl, allyl, and alkylmagnesium halides. The resulting diastereomeric N-sulfinyl α-Tfm α-amino esters, 12 and 13, were produced with moderate to good stereoselectivity and yields. When alkyl Grignard reagents were used, stereocontrol became progressively higher with increasing steric bulk, while reversed, though poor, stereocontrol was achieved with benzyl/allyl Grignard reagents. An…